The education system in Taiwan is well-organized and plays a central role in the development of its young citizens. Just like in other countries, elementary school provides a solid foundation in both academic subjects and social skills.
This article will take a closer look at the structure of elementary education in Taiwan, focusing on the grade levels, curriculum, classroom environment, and more.
If you’re a foreign English teacher, understanding the setup of Taiwan’s elementary schools is essential for navigating the classroom and building strong connections with students.
Grades and Age Levels
Elementary school in Taiwan consists of six grades, covering students aged 6 to 12. Most elementary schools do not include a kindergarten. Instead, kindergarten is separate and can be found in both public and private institutions.
Homeroom teachers generally stay with their class for two years at a time. This means one teacher is responsible for Grades 1 and 2, another for Grades 3 and 4, and a third for Grades 5 and 6.
This structure allows teachers to build strong relationships with their students and guide them through multiple stages of their early education.
Curriculum Overview
The elementary school curriculum in Taiwan covers a broad range of subjects, including Mandarin, math, science, social studies, and, increasingly, English as a foreign language. In addition to these core subjects, students also take classes in srt, music, and physical education, providing a well-rounded education.
Local languages are also part of the main curriculum. In most areas, this is Taiwanese (Southern Min), but some regions may choose to teach Hakka instead, reflecting the linguistic diversity of Taiwan.
One key feature of Taiwan’s elementary schools is that homeroom teachers do not teach every subject. While they msy specialize in one area, such as social studies or math, there are subject-specific teachers for areas like English, art, music, and PE.
English, in particular, is usually taught by a dedicated English teacher. The one subject homeroom teachers almost always teach is Mandarin, ensuring continuity in language development.
School Schedule
In Taiwan, elementary school officially begins at 8:00 AM, but students are expected to arrive by 7:40 AM to prepare for the day.
Before the first period, there’s about 40 minutes set aside for various activities such as reading time, a school assembly for singing the national anthem, homeroom check-ins, or cleaning time, where students help clean the school.
Each day consists of 7 periods, with 4 in the morning and 3 after lunch. Each period lasts 40 minutes, and there’s a 10-minute recess break between each period.
In addition to these short breaks, there’s usually a longer break in both the morning and afternoon, often used for additional cleaning (students are even responsible for cleaning the bathrooms here!).
Lunch is at 12:00 PM, and the food is delivered to each classroom. Designated students serve their classmates, and everyone eats together in the classroom. After lunch, there is about an hour of nap time, which is a common practice for all grades.
Dismissal times vary depending on the grade:
- Grades 1-2: Students go home after lunch on four days a week, but they stay until 4:00 PM one day a week.
- Grades 3-4: These students have three full days, one half-day, and one day where they leave after the 6th period.
- Grades 5-6: Students only leave early on Wednesday, with full days the rest of the week.
One universal rule across Taiwan is that on Wednesdays, all students go home after lunch, or head to cram school for additional tutoring.
Classroom Environment and Structure
Taiwan’s elementary classrooms are designed to be practical, creating a structured environment where students can focus on their studies.
Class sizes typically have a maximum of 30 students, which allows for a manageable teacher-to-student ratio and individualized attention when needed. Homeroom teachers play a central role, providing stability for students throughout the year.
Generally speaking, students remain in their classroom for most of the day, and subject-specific teachers rotate between classes.
For example, a social studies or math teacher may visit multiple classrooms throughout the day. This setup allows students to stay in a familiar space while benefiting from specialized instruction.
In addition, there are specialized classrooms for subjects like music, art, and science, where students participate in more hands-on activities.
Schools are also increasingly setting up English classrooms, often (though not always) reserved for the foreign English teacher, providing a dedicated space for language learning.
Parent Involvement and Community
Parents play an active role in their children’s education in Taiwan, and schools often maintain close communication with families to support student success.
Most parent-teacher communication happens through a daily communication book, where teachers provide updates on the student’s progress and behavior.
Additionally, many classes have a Line group where parents and teachers can communicate quickly and efficiently. While phone calls may occasionally be used, Line is the primary tool for keeping in touch.
Parents are also invited to participate in school events and activities, such as sports days and cultural festivals. These events help strengthen the school community, and parents often attend or even assist in organizing them.
Many schools also have parent associations that collaborate with teachers on special projects or events.
Final Thoughts on Elementary Education in Taiwan
Taiwan’s elementary schools provide a structured and supportive environment for young learners, with a well-rounded curriculum, a focus on local languages and culture, and a strong sense of community involvement.
Whether you’re a foreign English teacher or just interested in how the system works, understanding the way schools operate—from the daily schedule to the role of teachers and parents—can help you navigate the classroom and build meaningful connections with students.
Taiwan’s education system is not just about academics; it’s about creating a solid foundation for students to grow academically, socially, and emotionally.